An Overview of FCC Amateur Radio License Classes

A longtime resident of Syosset, New York, Paul Angelides has led his own engineering firm since 1987. Outside of his professional life, Paul Angelides pursues a diverse range of hobbies that includes hiking, attending charitable events, and snorkeling. An amateur radio enthusiast for almost six decades, he holds an FCC Extra Class license.

A popular hobby in the United States and around the world, amateur radio (also known as “ham” radio) dates back more than 100 years and involves licensed radio operators communicating with one another as hobbyists. Regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US, ham radio operators must hold licenses earned by passing examinations. Currently, the FCC maintains three classes of amateur radio licenses. 

Technician Class: This entry-level license requires successful completion of a 35-question written test about FCC regulations and radio operation. While this license gives operators access to all UHF/VHF frequencies, Technician Class license holders have limited access to high-frequency bands and are restricted to certain operating modes there.

General Class: More advanced amateur radio operators may find Technician Class frequencies crowded and operating privileges limited. To access a wider spectrum of high-frequency bands and operating modes, hams can upgrade to a General Class license by passing another, more complex 35-question test.

Extra Class: The most advanced license available, the Extra Class affords holders the highest privileges available to ham radio operators, and allows access to all frequencies in the amateur bands. To achieve the Extra Class, applicants must pass a 50-question exam covering some of the more obscure elements of FCC regulations as well as advanced electronics theory and radio operation.

Continuing Professional Development Opportunities with NAFE

Paul Angelides has functioned as president of the Syosset, New York, engineering firm Paul J. Angelides, PE, PC, since 1987. In addition to his work at the firm, he spends time engaging with professional organizations such as the National Academy of Forensic Engineers.

The National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) represents the ethical and professional interests of the nation’s forensic engineering industry. NAFE presents members with an array of valuable resources and professional services, including opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD). The organization makes 28 credit hours available to members each year at two-day educational seminars held in the summer and winter. CDP credits are recognized in New York, Florida, and North Carolina, though certificates may be accepted in audition submissions in other states.

CDP opportunities are generally categorized as either Regular NAFE Seminars or Special NAFE Seminars. Regular CDP opportunities present members with 10 technical papers on a number of modern forensic engineering subjects over the course of a full day. Individuals who complete a regular seminar receive seven CDP credits. Special seminars, meanwhile, emphasize specific areas of the industry, and are also worth seven credits.

More information regarding CDP opportunities with NAFE can be found online at www.nafe.org.

Earning an Extra Class Amateur Radio License

Paul Angelides founded Paul J. Angelides, PE PC, the private engineering firm in Syosset, New York, where he serves as president, in 1987. In his leisure time, he continues to pursue his decades-long hobby of amateur radio operation with an FCC Extra Class License.

Most people starting out in amateur radio operation take the Written Element 2 exam to receive their Technician Class license, which does not require knowledge of Morse code. Passing the Written Element 3 exam qualifies the operator for reception of the General Class license. These exams must be completed before a team of volunteer examiners (VEs).

Anyone with a General Class amateur radio license may upgrade to the Extra Class License by taking a multiple-choice examination, the Written Element 4 exam. Those who pass the 50-question exam and receive their Extra Class license can transmit on all Amateur Service frequencies.

Many amateur radio hobbyists choose to take this additional step to give them greater freedom since General Class frequencies often become quite busy. Resources to prepare for taking the Extra Class exam include the 2016 edition of the ARRL Extra Class License Manual, which sets the standards through June 2020.

St. John’s Relaxed, Nature-Centered Sights in the Caribbean

Paul Angelides is a well-established Syosset, New York, engineer who undertakes forensic engineering assignments across multiple states and territories. Licensed to practice in the US Virgin Islands, Paul Angelides enjoys exploring St. John, an island that has 60 percent of its land protected as a national park.

A recent New York Times travel article focused on the simple pleasures of slowing down and enjoying the relaxed pace of life on the smallest of the three islands comprising the US Virgin Islands. Easily accessible by ferry from St. Thomas, the island does not itself have cruise ship docking or an airport, which creates a tranquility lacking on its larger neighbor. 

The port town of Cruz Bay features picturesque, narrow streets, and can be easily covered in 20 minutes. It is known for its varied culinary fare that ranges from Hawaiian to Caribbean seafood, as well as port side bars and eateries fpr all tastes. 

Another concession to commerce on the paradise island is the low-rise luxury resort Caneel Bay, which is designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and comprises 160 acres and seven beaches. Visitors to the spacious property can take in ruins that hint at the island's agricultural past.

The National Academy of Forensic Engineers

In 1987, Paul Angelides founded his own engineering firm in Syosset, New York, where he still serves as president. Paul Angelides is a senior member of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE). 

Forensic engineers tend to be highly experienced professional engineers who can help with legal cases where, for example, there was an accident or crime related to building construction, engineering, or sometimes automobiles. Forensic engineers can help their clients understand what may have happened, and they often take the stand in court proceedings to present and defend a particular interpretation of the event in question.

Forensic engineering is a niche within professional engineering. It requires different skills than most engineering jobs, including speaking in front of an audience, staying cool during cross-examination, and handling difficult ethical concerns. Most forensic engineers get started not because they went through a program or applied for the job, but because someone involved in a court case called on them for their expertise. 

NAFE provides this small group of engineers with a network and resources for dealing with the difficult issues they face and for advancing their capacity to do what they do. With a small membership of about 450, NAFE is selective. Applicants who want to join the organization.
must come with experience, recommendations, and membership in other technical societies in order to be considered.

The National Academy of Forensic Engineers - Continuing Education

An engineer with more than 55 years of experience, Paul Angelides serves as president of his own engineering firm in Syosset, New York. Active in his professional community, Paul Angelides belongs to the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, which is committed to the continued education of its members. 

The National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE) requires that members, senior members, and fellows take part in continuing professional development (CPD) to remain up-to-date on the latest developments in forensic engineering. All members and fellows who have completed 100 CPD credits over the previous five years are considered to be in good standing and receive a three-year certification as Diplomates in Forensic Engineering in accordance with the requirements of the Council of Engineering Specialty Boards. CPD information must continue to be updated each year.

Individuals applying for membership to NAFE must also provide evidence of CPD completion. CPD credit may be acquired from among five categories - academic credits (AC), self-study credits (SC), practice credits (PC), contact credits (CC), and community volunteer credits (CV). 

To help members advance their professional development and meet CPD requirements, NAFE hosts two annual educational seminar events, one in the summer and another in the winter. Members can obtain as many as 32 credits per year through these two-day seminars. 

To learn more about NAFE and its continuing education seminars and requirements, visit www.nafe.org.

Safety Tips for Snorkeling

Paul Angelides, head of an engineering firm in Syosset, New York, is an avid outdoorsman. In his free time, Paul Angelides enjoys a variety of water sports, including swimming and snorkeling.

Like any water sport, particularly those that involve extended time submerged in open areas, snorkeling requires constant attention to safety. The most effective way to achieve this watchfulness is to swim as a pair, and both swimmers must be willing to be attentive to the other throughout. Buddies must stay close together while in the water, as separation is tantamount to swimming alone.

The snorkeler must also look out for him- or herself, and be aware of surrounding areas. Snorkelers should know if there are rocks or other hazards nearby, while also remaining mindful of the current and any potential feelings of undertow. This also allows the snorkeler to swim across the current and feel oncoming waves, then duck under them to avoid force.

To stay aware, the snorkeler should always swim in full daylight and in clear water. Entrances and exits from the water should take place on a sandy beach that has a lifeguard, who can advise on swimming conditions. Snorkelers should take this advice into consideration along with their own and their partner's skill levels.

Finally, snorkelers should only go in the water with well-fitting equipment and at good hydration levels. Sunscreen is similarly important, as it is easy not to notice sun exposure during a long swim, and water does not protect simmers from sunburn.